Have you ever had a co-worker who is always late to a scheduled meeting? What do you do in this situation?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle interpersonal challenges in the workplace. It evaluates your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you maintain professionalism when dealing with a potentially disruptive situation. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you approach conflict resolution and whether you can address issues constructively. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I noticed that one of my team members, Alex, often arrived late to our weekly project update meetings. This was affecting the team's productivity and causing delays in our discussions.

Task: I felt it was important to address this issue to ensure our meetings were effective and to maintain team morale. My task was to find a solution that would help Alex manage his time better without causing any friction.

Action: I decided to have a private and friendly conversation with Alex. I approached him after one of the meetings and expressed my observation in a non-confrontational manner. I asked if there were any specific reasons for his tardiness and if there was any way I could assist. Alex mentioned that he had overlapping commitments that occasionally led to the delays. Together, we explored options such as adjusting the meeting time slightly to accommodate everyone's schedule.

Result: After our discussion, we agreed on a new meeting time that worked for all team members. Alex appreciated the flexibility and made an effort to manage his schedule more effectively. As a result, our meetings started on time, leading to more productive sessions and a better collaborative environment. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and understanding in resolving workplace challenges.